Stirling set to welcome ambitious new plans for film and TV studio at Forthside

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Stirling is set to become the heart of Scotland’s film and TV industry with the creation of one of the biggest studios in the country.Based on the former MoD site at Forthside, new Stirling Studios is expected to pave the way for thousands of high skilled jobs when it pulls in production teams and big name networks - say owners, Stirling Council.The base - also known as Forthside Barracks - was built as an ordnance depot in 1899.It was purchased by Stirling Council for £5million in March this year.There is currently 100,000 sq ft of studio space and 110,000 sq ft for production, logistics and office space on the site.Stirling Council’s chief executive Carol Beattie identified the site and buildings could fit well with the needs in the sector and has led work since last summer to bring it to fruition, backed by experts at Screen Scotland.The site will continue to be owned by the council but an operator will be appointed to run the studios and the project hoping to attract both UK and global productions and screen stars.While other studios exist in Scotland the Stirling venture is being seen as “the missing piece” because of its scale and opportunity for larger sets.Carol said feedback from industry figures has already been overwhelmingly positive, with some having already visited and tested out the site.It is seen as uniquely positioned for interior and exterior filming opportunities with a number of potential filming locations on the doorstep.The 360-acre site’s proven security despite the central urban location is also said to have proven popular with industry leaders, she said.More than 4000 local jobs are expected to be created over the next 25 years.